Holiday shopping season is officially upon us. If you are looking for that perfect dress for your Christmas party, charming pieces to add to your wardrobe or a gift to put under the tree, Meli Mei has you covered. This charming boutique opened this past August in the City Exchange Shops in downtown Fort Wayne. They are ready to see how much locals love to “shop small” this holiday season. Here are a few things you can expect to find when you shop Meli Mei: 1. Specialty products from around the world Meli Mei is proud to bring fashion from different cultures to our region by selling accessories from around the globe. Thanks to this hip boutique, you can shop styles from Paris to Bangkok here in Fort Wayne. Meet the maker Monday: Anne Cauduro is a Brazilian designer, who now resides in Paris, France. Growing up, Anne was always interested in crafting as she watched her mother create clothes and accessories. Anne later got her degree in Fashion Design, but was feeling lost. In 2016, she moved to Paris and began creating jewelry that would transmit her personality and a mix of her life in Paris and her Brazilian roots. She started working mostly with natural materials from Brazil and felt particularly in love with all the gorgeous healing stones from there. Later her partner Guilherme joined and they created @laboboa together. “Being able to create a connection with another person, to deliver a piece that we made with our own bare hands, and which will make someone happy to possess, is special. It gives us a feeling of empathy to one another, and that’s such a beautiful feeling. Empathy can change the world.” Here at Meli Mei, we are proud to work with such talented designers and always striving to bring you the best products from around the world.#shopmelimei #meethemaker #meetthemakermonday A post shared by Meli Mei (@shopmelimei) on Oct 23, 2017 at 1:11pm PDT 2. Goodies for all ages Shopping with your little ones? Meli Mei makes it easy for you as they carry merchandise for all ages. You may even find a matching set for you and your darling tot or teen. Gorgeous bracelet sets for you and your little princess💚💕💚 A post shared by Meli Mei (@shopmelimei) on Feb 15, 2017 at 6:03am PST 3. Trendy graphic tees that say how we are all really feeling If you rock the comfy chic look and are a wee bit sarcastic, then you will love these tops. Go ahead, let the citizens of Fort Wayne know what is truly on your mind. A post shared by Meli Mei (@shopmelimei)...

At Fancy & Staple – a new “uncommon goods” boutique in downtown Fort Wayne – you probably won’t find raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens. You might find bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. But no matter what, you’ll definitely find something destined to become one of “your favorite things.” Fancy & Staple is already stocked with shop owner Taber Olinger’s favorite things – including home accessories, dishware, gift items, paper products, pantry goods, barware, jewelry and clothing. By featuring the wares of independent designers, handmade crafters and local artists, the shop’s inventory also pays tribute to some of Olinger’s favorite people. “To bring this shop to life, I’ve combined my passion for design with all the things I love in life,” she says. And while she’s filled the shelves with items she hopes her customers will love, Olinger calls the store her own “love letter to Fort Wayne.” “I’ve wanted to contribute something special to Fort Wayne ever since I left my parents’ nest,” she says. “It’s funny how once you start supporting yourself, you find out how much you really care about your surroundings. From that point on, I had dreams of making this city a cooler place to live.” That dream became one step closer to reality after Olinger earned a degree in fashion design and merchandising. It took a several years to get momentum as an entrepreneur, but the burgeoning downtown development provided the perfect opportunity to set up shop. “I think the timing is perfect now,” says Olinger. “It’s really important that we all join forces to keep Fort Wayne growing, keep making it a better place for us all. I want Fancy & Staple to be a place people come to hang out,” she says. “Where you can take your time, unwind from the day and let yourself get wrapped up in its charm.” That special charm kicks off with two must-visit opening events. The first is a soft opening on Saturday, Oct. 3rd, with a cash bar, gourmet appetizers from Bird & Cleaver, and pop-up shops from Belyst Boutique and OFabz Swimwear. A week later, the Grand Opening celebration turns the Broadway boutique into party – complete with an art show, skincare demonstrations by Lush, a cash bar from The Golden, food from the Affine and Bravas food trucks, and music from Lost Lakes. The first 25 shoppers who spend $50 or more will receive a free gift. Both celebrations will include photography. The Soft Opening will be photographed by Ruth Yaroslaski and the Grand Opening by Ashley Martin. The next two Saturdays at Fancy & Staple will be a one-stop-shop for food,...